Frequently Asked Questions

Professional counselling is a safe and confidential collaboration between qualified counsellors and clients to promote mental health and wellbeing, enhance self-understanding, and resolve identified concerns. Clients are active participants in the counselling process at every stage.

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Yes, and in the context of grief, counselling is a space to be seen, to be heard, and to be valued. To show up with all the messiness and complexity of life and loss, and not to have to put on the mask of being okay.

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It's a place to sit in the rubble of grief and find tiny spaces for hope and joy.

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It's a place to honour your loved one who has died, or what has been lost for you.

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It's a place to be.

Clinical supervision is a contractual, collaborative process which monitors, develops and supports supervisees in their clinical role.

In clinical supervision, the central focus is on both the optimum outcome for the client, and the professional development and self-care of the supervisee.

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Yes, and for me, Supervision is about trust.

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It's about bringing your whole self into the room to talk about what it's like to do this work. What it's like sitting in the rubble with clients in deep grief. What skills, knowledge and wisdom you bring into that sacred space, and what parts of your humanity are impacted in the process.

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It's about facing your own mortality as you support others with theirs. It's about facing your fears to bring your best self for your clients, and acknowledging when we get it wrong or need a bit of help along the way.

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It's a privilege, truly.

Telehealth (online or phone) sessions can make a convenient option as it means you don’t have to take time to drive, park, wrangle kids or even bother with changing out of pj's or putting on makeup.

You can just close your bedroom or office door, log in, and get straight into the session. This is ideal for someone deep in grief or with many competing demands of life, who doesn't need additional hurdles to navigate in order to access support.

It also means you are not restricted to accessing therapists in your local area. You can choose the therapist you want to see, not just the one you are most able to access based on where you live or work.

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And best of all, the research suggests that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, having analysed data from over 9000 clients. (Barek et al, 2008). 

Counselling and Supervision sessions in Australia vary greatly, with fees mostly between $100 and $250 per session.

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I believe my fees reflect the skill and experience I bring to each service.

No referral or MHCP is required to access support from Grief Guide, meaning that you won't need to allocate your yearly sessions in order to access grief support.

At this time you are unable to access a Medicare rebate for Grief Guide services.

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However, depending on your Private Health fund, you may be eligible for a rebate.

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Ali Mills is a recognised provider for Medibank, ARHG and is able to accept WorkCover QLD clients.

Things happen, especially when it comes to grief. I understand this, but without giving notice, others who need this time are unable to access support.

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As such, clients will be required to give 48 hours notice to avoid cancellation fees.

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If 24-48 hours notice is provided, 50% of the fee will be charged.

If 0-24 hours notice is provided, the full fee will be charged.

What is shared in counselling or supervision is  often highly personal to you and/or your practice. It will be treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity. I follow ACA ethical guidelines where the standard duty of care limitations apply.

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Session content is confidential unless someone is at immediate and significant risk of harm to themselves or others. We will discuss this further in your initial appointment and may revisit this topic as we proceed.

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If you have particular concerns or questions regarding confidentiality, please contact me or discuss this further when we meet.

Please reach out to me via the contact details listed on this website and we can organise a free 15 minute initial discussion via telephone or email (depending on your preference.)

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In this discussion we will determine whether I have availability, whether I might be the right fit for you at this time, and whether you feel comfortable to proceed with a session booking.

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We will arrange a first appointment (counselling or supervision) to get to know each other and to clarify your goals and expectations of support with me. There will be some paperwork to complete prior to this appointment.